Russia’s relentless attacks in the Donbas are paying off, with the invading nation making large territorial gains this year – while Ukraine struggles to make headway under the sustained barrage.
In October, Russia seized more than 400 square kilometres of the Donbas, the main theatre of war, allowing it to take control of strategic locations that had once been key to Ukraine’s defences.
Russia’s rapid advance is in stark contrast to the situation on the ground a year ago, when the front lines remained largely unaltered as both sides failed to make significant progress.
About half of Russia’s territorial gains in Ukraine this year have been made in the past three months alone.
